QUAGGA MUSSEL ALLERT!!!!
QUAGGA MUSSELS HAVE BEEN REPORTED AT LAKE MEAD, LAKE MOHAVE, LAKE HAVASU, AND LAKE PLEASANT!
INTRODUCING QUAGGA MUSSELS TO LAKE POWELL(KNOWINGLY OR UNKNOWINGLY) IS PUNISHABLEBY HARSH FINES AND IMPOUNDMENT OF VESSEL!
WHAT ARE THEY?
They are freshwater, bivalve mollusks that typically have a dark and white pattern on their shells. They are alien to North America but have invaded many of our waters, east of the 100th Meridian. There are two species of Dreissena in North America, typically referred to as "Zebra Mussels" and "Quagga Mussels." Despite some minor morphological and ecological differences, both species are very similar and pose a significant threat to our waters. The Quagga Mussels are usually about an inch or less long, but may be larger.
WHY ARE QUAGGA MUSSELS A PROBLEM?
When they are present, there are usually millions of them. They are biofoulers that occlude pipes in municipal and industrial water systems, requiring millions of dollars annually to treat. The mussel densities have been reported to be over 700,000 individuals per square meter in some facilities in the Great Lakes area. They produce microscopic larvae that float freely in the water column, and thus can pass by screens installed to exclude them. They are extremely harmful to native organisms, fisheries and eventually entire ecosystems. They outcompete other filter feeders, starving them. Imagine your favorite sandy beach at Lake Powell, only covered
with foul smelling, sharp shelled Quagga Mussels.
WHAT ARE YOU REQUIRED TO DO?
All water craft are potential vectors for spreading aquatic nuisance species. IF YOUR BOAT HAS BEEN IN ANY BODY OF WATER KNOWN TO HAVE QUAGGA OR ZEBRA MUSSELS PRESENT, PLEASE TAKE YOUR BOAT TO THE LAKE POWELL WASHING STATION WHERE THEY WILL HOT PRESSURE WASH YOUR BOAT FREE OF CHARGE. It is imperative that all boaters accept the responsibility to take the necessary steps to prevent the introduction of the nuisances to Lake Powell. Once they are there, their rampage on the Lake is virtually unstoppable.
Drain water from motors, live well and bilge on land before leaving any infected lake or river.
Inspect boat, trailer and vehicle and remove visible mussels. Also feel for rough spots thatcould be young mussels that are hard to see.
Clean and wash trailer, truck or equipment that has contact with mussel-infested water with a high pressure, high temperature (>104 deg F) wash. Mussels can live in nooks anywhere water collects.
Air-dry the boat and equipment for at least five days before launching in another waterway.
Don't re-use fish bait that has been exposed to mussel-infected water.
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